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The new face of India

Indian prime minister-elect Narendra Modi, a controversial figure to many, vows to work in the interests of all Indians. (SAM PANTHAKY / AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Sat., May 24, 2014

Re: Is India supposed to forget Modi's past? Opinion May 19

Re: Modi must govern for all, Editorial May 21

Is India supposed to forget Modi's past? Opinion May 19

It is disappointing that an esteemed publication like the Star has run one-sided stories on prime minister-elect Narendra Modi. India is an extremely diverse and pluralistic society, accommodating a vast spectrum of views on various social, economic and political issues.

Like any other leader, in any other pluralistic and multi-party democracy, Mr. Modi also has his critics and adversaries. However, it is unfair to project only a one-sided narrative based on selective use of remarks made by Mr. Modi's opponents in the context of domestic political discourse.

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The 2014 elections in India were truly historic in terms of unprecedented popular participation and the clarity of popular verdict. In electing Mr. Modi, the people of India, including Muslims, have voted in favour of inclusive economic development and good governance. The wisdom and judgment of the Indian electorate must be respected.

In his post-election speeches, Mr. Modi categorically declared his commitment for the entire country and all Indians. The implementation of his developmental agenda requires maintenance of peace and social harmony in the country.

The new Indian government merits support and cooperation in its mission to fulfil the aspirations of the people, and should not be undermined by malicious scaremongering.

Akhilesh Mishra, Consul-General of India, Toronto

India has been declared a secular state by its written constitution and it is every Indian's duty to stand by and believe in this declaration. After a landslide electoral triumph by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), some Muslims were worried that their place in India could become even more tenuous.

In the interest of the nation, it is a historic opportunity for prime minister-designate Narendra Modi, to shape the country's future. He should bury the past, especially since his image has been tarnished with deadly riots in his home state of Gujarat that killed hundreds of people, most of them Muslims. Mr. Modi needs now to offer a powerful balancing message to all its citizens.

“I do not expect India of my dreams to develop one religion, i.e., to be wholly Hindu or wholly Christian or wholly Mussalman, but I want it to be wholly tolerant, with its religions working side by side with one another.” So said Mahatma Gandhi.

He also stated: “I swear by my religion, I will die for it. But it is my personal affair. The State has nothing to do with it.”

Waris Shere, Winnipeg

Modi must govern for all, Editorial May 21

This editorial provides a very informative and balanced picture of the recent Indian election. The key question to be resolved is: Will India, the largest global democracy, continue to remain a constitutionally secular nation that protects the interests of its 1.2 billion people — from many diverse religions, castes and geographic regions — speaking a myriad of languages?

The Indian electorate, with an unprecedented 66 per cent voting, has spoken loud and clear for instituting change, now. They elected a majority government, the first such mandate in some 30 years, giving Narendra Modi the right to govern without a coalition. Indians' aspirations included creating jobs for a rapidly growing workforce, rooting out corruption, controlling inflation, building infrastructure and deregulating a notoriously bureaucratic economy, which is stifling growth.

The dramatic results of this peaceful election may not, however, help to foretell the future, which may not be as rosy. The current euphoria among young voters, who made a huge impact in this election, may either help or hinder what happens next.

Should the now heightened expectations among Indians for rapid change and better days ahead not be realized soon, this may well create major problems for the new government.

However, it is important to note that Modi has made an indelible mark as a pragmatic doer who has a long record of success in responding to key issues that need to be addressed, effectively and quickly.

It is widely believed that his stellar performance in the state of Gujarat can be, and will be, replicated across India. Modi has shown by dint of hard work and personal integrity/example that his focus on helping businesses succeed, and checking rampant corruption, resulted in rapid and sustainable economic growth in Gujarat. Now he has a strong mandate to roll out nationally this proven recipe.

The jury is still out on his ability, and even his desire, to tackle headlong the Hindu nationalist ideological fountainhead and the Hindu supremacy aspirations of his BJP party. This could be a stumbling block for India and is truly worrisome, especially considering that over 80 per cent of its population is Hindu and restless to become more assertive.

The many millions of other Indians who are Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, etc. must be hoping and praying that the Indian tradition of “live and let live” will continue to be respected and upheld in this vibrant secular democracy.

And many passionate Hindu secularists, who respect the long history of composite culture, will also hope that Modi's pragmatism, and the traditional Indian record of harmony, will triumph over sectarian ideology and divisiveness.

Modi has a fine opportunity to rise from a great Indian politician to a respected global leader by doing the right things in India. The world is watching and waiting!

Rudy Fernandes, Mississauga

As an avid reader and subscriber to the Star, the various articles published always intrigue me. However, the May 20 article by Haroon Siddiqui drew some concerns. The page 3 piece was highly opinionated and frankly does not belong in the “news” section.

I realize that as a writer he has the right to his opinion, but it should be located in the Opinion section of the paper.

Rajen Engineer, Mississauga

The Star should be congratulated for the recent substantive stories on the election in India and the ushering in of Narendra Modi and the “Hindu nationalist” BJP. I've always wondered why the Star seldom, if ever, uses the phrase “Muslim nationalist” to describe certain political parties in Pakistan.

Perhaps you should examine your policies regarding political coverage of the sub-continent.

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